Congress

history

Senate

represent their state

Speaker of the House

The elected leader of the House of Representatives, responsible for presiding over sessions, guiding legislation, and ensuring order.

President of the Senate

The Vice President of the United States, who serves as the presiding officer of the Senate, overseeing debates and voting.

Powers of Congress

the ability to levy taxes

Elastic Clause

A provision in the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws deemed necessary and proper to execute its designated powers, fostering legislative flexibility.

Powers denied to Congress

suspending the writ of habeas corpus

How a Bill Becomes a Law

A systematic process that begins with an idea, proceeds through committee review, floor action, a conference committee for reconciliation, additional floor action, and culminates in presidential approval or veto.

Pocket Veto

A legislative maneuver that occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days while Congress is adjourned, effectively preventing the bill from becoming law.

Josh Gottheimer

Currently serves as a representative in the House of Representatives, representing the interests of his constituents in Congress.

Cory Booker

A U.S. Senator representing the state of New Jersey, engaged in legislative activities and advocacy at the federal level.

Andy Kim

A member of the House of Representatives who represents the interests and concerns of his district in the legislative process.

Number of Representatives in House

There are a total of 435 members in the House of Representatives, apportioned among the states based on population.

Number of Senators

The Senate consists of 100 members, with each state represented by two senators regardless of its population size.

How many times does Congress have to meet in a year?

Congress must meet at least once per year

Members of the House of Representatives

Representatives are allocated to each state based on its population count from the most recent census, reflecting the state's demographic weight.

Senate Composition

Every state, regardless of its population, is entitled to two senators, ensuring equal representation in the Senate.

House of Representatives Committees

Various committees within the House that focus on specific areas of legislation, reviewing proposed bills and overseeing investigations.

Senate Responsibilities

The Senate has specific duties, including the ratification of treaties and the confirmation of presidential appointments, influencing significant federal decisions.

Term Limits in the House

There are currently no limits on the number of terms a representative may serve; they can continuously run for re-election every two years.

Senate's Unique Powers

The Senate has the exclusive authority to conduct impeachment trials for federal officials, determining whether they should be removed from office.

House Leadership Roles

In addition to the Speaker, leadership roles in the House include Majority and Minority Leaders and Whips, who assist in management and strategy.

Senate Leadership Roles

Key leadership positions in the Senate include the Majority Leader, Minority

House of Representatives

reside in the state they represent.

House of Representatives

must be at least 25 years old

House of Representatives

members serve two-year terms.

House of Representatives

must be at least 25 years old,

House of Representatives

have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years

Powers denied to Congress

the prohibition on ending the slave trade before 1808

Powers denied to Congress

enacting ex post facto laws.

Powers of Congress

borrow money

Powers of Congress

regulate interstate and foreign commerce

Powers of Congress

establish lower federal courts

Senate

have been U.S. citizens for nine years

Senate

senators serve six-year terms

Senate

Members must be at least 30 years old,